Brake mechanism



Jan. 6,1942. E. R. FITCH BRAKE MECHANISM Filed Fb. 25, 1940 2 Sheds-Sheet 1 awe/HM- zueglznzclb. w w

Jan. 6, 1942. E. R. FITCH BRAKE MECHANISM Filed Feb. 23, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ElleryRQid/v. 9;.12% W Patented Jan. 1942 Banks MECHANISM- Ellery n. Fitch, Pittsburgh, Pa, assignor m Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake.

Company, Pittsburgh, P1,, 1

Delaware Application February 2:, 1940, Serial No. 320,492

20 Claims.

This invention relates to brakes and moreparticularly to fluid braking systems for tractortrailer vehicles.

It is an object of the present invention to pro- 'vide 'a 'fluid pressure braking systemfor tractortrailer vehicles which will be so designed that an application of the vehicle brakes will occur in a progressive order, beginning at the rear endof the vehicle train.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid pressure braking system for tractor-trailer vehicles which is so arranged as'to secure a release of the vehicle brakes in a progressive order beginning at the front end of the vehicle train.

' Another object of a novel fluid pressure braking system for insuring a progressive application and release of the tractor brakes, respectively beginning at the rear and front of the tractor, when the tractor is dis- I the invention is to provide I connected from the trailer.

Still. another object of the invention is to provide a fluid pressure braking system having manually-operable means for insuring a progressive application and release of the tractor brakes, respectively beginning at the rear and-front of the tractor, when the tractoris disconnected from the trailer.

Other objects and novel features of the invention will appear from the following detailed descripticn when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is to be expressly" understood, however, that the drawings are for chambers 3, to cause application of the vehicle the purpose of illustration only and are not to be taken as a definition of the limits of. the invenappended claims.

I tion, reference being had for this purpose to the e In the drawings, in which similar reference I numbers refer to similar parts throughout the Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing a fluid pressure braking. system constructedin accordseveral views:

disclosed in Fig. 1, and

.Fig. 4 is a view, partly in section, showing the The fluid pressure tractor-trailer braking system, as illustrated in Fig. l of the drawings comconstruction of a valve utilized by the present invention.

cb 'hora'tion of prises a reservoir I which is supplied with fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, through conduit 2 from a compressor not shown. Brake chambers 3 and 4 are positioned 'on the tractor and'are adapted to be-supplied with fluid under pressure from reservoir I, to respectivelyoperateth e front and rear brakes of the tractor.

Brake chambers 5 are carried by the trailerv and perform the function of operating the trailer brakes. The last named brake chambersare energized with fluid under pressure from a reservoir-B, which is positioned on the :trailer, and is supplied with fluid under pressure from reser- 'voir I through conduits! and 8, flexible connector Q and conduit ID A pressure-operated, self-lapping relay valve 4 I I of any suitable type, such as that shown in the patent to Eaton et al. No. 2,018,202, dated. November 22, 1935, is carried by the trailer and,'when energized with fluid under pressure, operates to complete-a connection betweenconduit I2 and conduits I3 and ll, thereby allowing fluid under pressure to pass from reservoir 6 to the brake' chambers 5 to cause an application of the trailer brakes. A pressure-operated relay {valve I5, constructed to operate in a similar manner as the relay valve II,'ispositioned on the tractor for making a connection between the reservoir I and the brake chambers 4, through conduits I, 8 and- I6,'relay valvev I5 and conduits I1 and I8, thereby' applying the rear tractor brakes.

Means are, provided for operating the relay brakes. Such means include a system of conduitsconnecting the relay valves II and Iii, the brake chambers. 3' and a brake control valve I9 respectively in a series circuit. Means are also provided to retard the flow of fluid pressure in one direction in. the circuit whereby the relay valves I I and I5 and the front brake chamber will be energized in the order enumerated, thereby causing a progressive application of the vehicle brakes, beginning with the rear end of the vehicle train.

As shown in Fig. 1, such means include. a selflappihg brake valve I9 which is constantlysupplied with fluid under pressure from the reser- I voir I through conduit I, and is adaptedto'be manually operated tosupply fluid pressurefrom the reservoir I to the relay valves II and I5 and to the brake chambers 3. By the aforementioned operation of the brake valve I 9, fluid pressure flows to the relay valve II, through conduit 20,

2 actuating the relay valve to supply fluid pressure to the brake chambers 5 as heretofore described.

Fluid pressure in conduit 22 is conducted to the i relay valve IS on the tractor, through conduit 23, flexible connector 24, and conduits 25 and 26, thereby operating the relay valve IS in a manner described heretofore, causing energization of the brake chambers 4. The brake chambers 3 are primarily energized with fluid pressure through conduits 21 and 28. They are, however, partially energized through conduit 29, check valve- 33 and conduit 3|, the last named conduits and check valve forming a connection between the brake valve l9 and conduit 21;

As heretofore stated, means are provided for retarding the energization of the circuit in a direction beginning .with conduit 3|, thus causing the brake chambers 5 to be fullyenergized before the brake chambers 3 or 4. As shown, such means include a check valve 33, positioned between conduits 29 and 3|, which functions to retard the flow of fluid pressure from the brake valve l9 to the circuit through conduit 29.

With reference more particularly to Fig. 4, a

preferred type of check valve 33 ,is shown therein having casings 32 and 33 with conduits 29 and 3| respectively connected thereto. The valve furthercomprises a movable member 34 which normally rests upon seat 35 by the action of spring 33. A small passage 3'! is provided in the movable member 34 which allows a restricted flow of fluid pressure therethrough from conduit 3| to conduit 29. The movable member is also provided with fluted portions 39 which allow a free passage of fluid pressure through the valve when flowing in a direction from conduit.29 to conduit 3| when the movable member is lifted-from the seat 35 by such pressure.

In operation of a valve constructed in a manner heretofore described, fluid under pressurevalve 33 is so positioned between conduits 29 and 3| that the flow of fluid pressure from the brake .valve l9'to the circuit by way of conduit 3| will be through the small passage 31, as viewed in Fig. 4, therefore restricting the flow of fluid to the circuit in the above mentioned direction to insure a progressive energization of thebrake chambers, beginning at the rear end of the vehicle train, as heretofore stated.

Means are also provided for causing the brakes to release in a progressive order starting at the front end of the vehicle train. Such means, as shown in Fig. 1, include a, check valve 39 con-. structed in a similar manner to check valve 33 and positioned in conduit 23 to retard the flow gressive order, beginning with the brake chambers 3.

The present invention also includes a construction for obtaining an application of the tractor rear brakes before an application of the tractor front brakes and also the release of the brakes in an opposite order when the trailer is disconnected ferred construction of the valve mechanism 4| is shown, the same includes a casing 42'having fluidzconnections 23, 43 and 2| associated therewith. A rotatable member ,43 is positioned within the casing and is provided with ports 44 and 43 for making a connection between conduits 23 and 2|. as shown, or between conduits 23 and 43 when the member 43 is rotated in an anti- :lgockwise direction by movement of the handle When it is desired to disconnect the trailer from the tractor and continue operation of the latter, the flexible connectors 9, 2| and .24 are disconnected in a manner fully understood by those skilled in the art. By operation of the valve mechanism 4|, a connection is made between conduits 23 and 43 on the tractor, and the relay valve I5 is thereby supplied with fluid pressurethrough conduits 23, 43, 25 and 23.

From this arrangement, a series circuit 'is formed comprising the front braking chamber 3, the brake valve l9 and the relay valve I3, which is energized and deenergized in a manner similar to the circuit heretofore described, thereby causing .an application of the rear tractor brakes before 'the front tractor brakes and the release of the brakes in an opposite order.

The operation of the tractor-trailer braking system heretofore described in relation to Fig. 1 is as follows. At all times, fluid pressurefrom the reservoir is constantly supplied to the brake valve 9 by way of conduit 1 and to the relayvalve i5 by way or conduits I, 8 and IS. The reservoir 3, carried by the trailer, is likewise constantly through conduit 23, flexible connector 2| and conduit 22. .The relay valve thereupon operates to complete a connection between the brake chambers 3 and the reservoir 3. Fluid pressure will then now from the reservoir 3 to the brake chambers I through conduit l2, relay valve II and conduits i3 and H for energizing the brake chambers. The extent of fluid pressure energization of the brake chambers I will directly depend upon the fluid pressure present in conduit 22 which is of fluid from conduit23 to the brake valve l9 when the brake valve is operated to release the vehicle brakes. As the brake valve I9 is operated to connect the circuit to an atmospheric port |9a associated with the brake valve, the flow of. fluid to the port by way of conduit 23 is retarded by by the check valve 39.- The exhaust of fluid pressure from the circuit is unrestricted through conduit 29,however, and, therefore, as viewed in controlled by the manually-operable brake valve As conduit 22 is energized with fluid under pressure, conduit 23 is likewise energized andv gized with fluid pressure from conduit 29, thereby aaeaosconducting fluid under pressure to the front brake chambers 3 through conduits 23. Thus it will be readily understood from the foregoing operation thatthe vehicle brakes are applied in a progrcwional order, beginning with the rear end of the vehicle train. I Fluid pressure is also supplied to conduit 21 through conduit 3|, check valve 33 and conduit 10. However, the flow through conduit 33 is so retarded by the check valve 33 that the complete energization of the brake chambers 3 will be accomplished byfluid pressure which flows to conduit 21 from conduit II.

. after, arm 4B of valve 4| is rotated 90 in an,

anticlockwise direction as viewed in Fig. l or Fig. 3 to close the normally open connection between conduits 23 and 22 and open communication between conduits Ill and 25 through conduit It will, therefore, be apparent that, due to the arrangement disclosed in Fig. l, the brake chambers 5, 4 and 3 will be sequentially energized in the order named upon movement of the brake valve l9.

Due-to the substantially direct andunrestricted connection between the brake valve l3 and the relay valve H, the latter will be energized to cause fluid pressure energization of the trailer brakes I prior to energization of the tractor brakes. The relay I! will be thereafter energized by fluid pressure through conduit 23 lo-' cated adjacent the relay valve ii. This will cause the rear tractor brakes to be applied a little later'than the trailer brakes. The front trailer brake chambers 3 are energized last, by reason of their most remote association with conduit 21. It will be understood that the'bypass 31 of the check valve 33 is provided solely for providing a closely regulated sequential ac.- tion as regards the application of the rear and front tractor brakes and may be-varied in size or eliminated if found unnecessary.

. system' disclosed in Fig. 1 are obtained. Such 43. Therefore, the novel features of the invention, as heretofore described in relation .to Fig. 1, may be obtained whether the tractor is operated when connected to the trailer, or when the trailer is disconnected from the tractor.

with reference to Fig. 2, another form of the present. invention is shown wherein the same advantages enumerated in conjunction with the a system as disclosed in Fig. 2 comprises front tractor braking chambers 3, rear tractor braking chambers 4,. trailer braking chambers 5 and a reservoir l which is supplied with fluid under pressure from a compressor, not shown, through When it is desired to release the vehicle 5 brakes, the brake valve Isis allowed to return to its normal position, thereby closing the connection between conduit 1 and conduits 3i and 30 and connecting'condults 3| and 23 to atmospheric port i811. associated with the brake valve. As the atmospheric connection is made, the check valve 30 is opened due to fluid pressure in conduit 29 and the front brake chambers 3 are promptly exhausted through conduits 23 and 3!, h

- check valve 30, conduit 3| and atmospheric port Ha. Likewise, the relay valve ll returns to its normal position when the fluidpressure is exhausted therefrom through conduits It, 21 and 29, check valve 30, conduit 3| and brake valve it. As the relay valve It returns to the aforesaid normal position, the connection between the reservoir, i and the brake' chambers 4' is .closed'and the brake chambers are connected to atmosphere through a port lea associated with the relay valve. The exhaust of fluid pressure from the relay valve ii to the atmosphere through the brake valve i9 is retarded due to the .check valve which was fully described heretofore. The exhaust of ,fluid pressure from the relay valve it to the brake valve i3 is mainly by way of conduits 22 and 23, flexible connector 14- and conduits 36, 21, 28 and 3i. As fluid pressure is exhausted from therelay valve ll through connecting the reservoir 3 to the brake chambers 5 by means of conduits I 2, i3 and I4. The connection is made when the relay valve is operated by fluid under pressure in a manner similar to that heretofore stated in the description of the system disclosed in Fig. l. j

A pressure-operated relay ,valve I5 is positioned on the tractor and operates to allow fluid under pressure from the reservoir I to energize the brake chambers 4 by way of conduits 41, 48 and], the relay valve I5 and conduits i1 and it in a manner also similar to that heretofore described in relation to Fig. 1.

v A pressure-operated relay valve 49, being constructed similarlyto the previously mentioned relay valves, is carried by the tractor for supplying fluid under pressure to the brake chambers 3. Conduit 41 constantly supplies fluid under pressure from the reservoir I to the relayvalve 4!, and, when the relay valve is actuated, fluid pressure from the reservoir l is allowed to energize the brake chambers 3 by way of conduits 80 and 33.

In this form of the invention, the relay valves I! and 49 are connected in a series circuit on the conduit 22, the relay valve operates to close the connection between the reservoir I and the brake chambers 5 and open. a connection between the brake chambers I and an. atmospheric port "a which is associated with the relay valve.

The check valve 33 is so constructed that the exhaust from the'relay valve ii 'is retarded by way of conduit 23 to such an extent that the exhaust of fluidpressure from the brake chambers tractor, and means are provided in the circuit for causing energization of the relay valve l5 prior 'to energization ofthe relay. valve '49 and deenergization of the relay valves in an 'opposite order. The relay valve and the circuit are energized and deenergized by the operation of the brake valve 13. However, the, connections therebetween are made independently, i. e., respectively through conduits SI and 52. Therefore, it is necessary to provide additional means to retard the energization of the circuit, thusin suring the energization of the relay valve ll before the .energization of either of the relay .valves" carried by the tractor. Also the deenergization of the relay valve It must beretarded sumciently for complete deenergization thereof to occur 3 and 4 is substantially completed before the a'fter the circuit is completely deenergized. The

47 and48 and is adapted to be manually operated .to form a connection between conduit48 and conduit 5|, and between conduit 48 and the circuit by Way of conduit 52.

The trailer relay valve II is supplied with fluid i5 by way of conduits 52 and 55, check valve 56 and conduits 51 and 58, thereby operating the relay valve to make a connection between the reservoir i and the brake chambers 4. The relay valve 49 is energized with fluid pressure by way of conduits 51 and 60 or by way of conduit 52, check valve 58and conduit 59. The fluid pressure operates the relay valve 49 to form a connection between the reservoir i and the brake chambers 3.

Means are provided for causing the relay .valve I5 to become fully energized to a position allowed by the brake valve I9 before the relay valve 49 becomes so energized, so that the rear brakes on the tractor will be fully applied before the front brakes reach their fully applied position. Such means, as shown in Fig. 2, include the check valve 58 which is constructed in the same manner as the check valve disclosed in Fig. 4. The check valve is positioned between conduits 512 and 59 and operates. to retard the flow of fluid pressure to the relay valve 49 by way of conduit 59. The relay valve 49 is, therefore. more fully energized through conduits 52 and 55, check valve 55 and conduits 51 and. 60. It will be readily understood that the relay valve I5 will be fully energized before the relay valve 49 due to the restriction of the check valve 58 and also because fluid under pressure must flow from the relay valve I5 to the relay ,yalve 49 through conduit 60.

The present invention also contemplates a construction for causing the tractor front brakes to release before the tractor rear brakes when the brake valve I9 is operated to connect the conduit 52 to the atmospheric connection I9a. Such construction, as shown in Fig. 2, comprises a check valve 56 which is constructed in the same manner as the check valve 58. The check valve 56 is positioned between the conduits 55 and 51 and functions to retard the flow of fluid pressure from the relay valve I5 to the atmospheric port associated with the brake valve I9. Due to the retarding efiect of the check valve 55, the exhaust of fluid under pressure will largly be by way of conduits 59 and 59, check valve 58, and to the atmospheric port through conduit 52.

ybrake. valve I9 is constantly supplied with fluid under pressure from reservoir I through conduits that the energization of the relay valve II will occur before that of the relay valve I5.

The exhaust of fluid pressure from the relay valve II to the brake valve I9 is restricted suillciently by the resistance to the flow of fluid through the conduit 54, the flexible connector 53, and conduit 5|, so that the complete deenergization of the trailer brake chambers will not take place until after the release of the tractor brakes in the order heretofore stated.

In operation of the above described system, ,the compressor, not shown, supplies fluid under pressure to the reservoir I .through conduit 2. At all times, fluid under pressure from the reservoir I is constantly supplied to the relay valves 49 and I5 through conduit 41 and conduits 41, 48 and 8 respectively. The reservoir 6 which is carried by the trailer is also constantly supplied with fluid under pressure from the reservoir I' through conduits 41, 4B and 8, flexible connector 9 and conduit I0., The relay valve II, being carried by the trailer also, is constantly supplied with fluid under pressure from the reservoir 5 throng conduit I2. 4

The brake valve I9 is constantly supplied with fluid pressure from the reservoir I through conduits 41 and 48 and is adapted to be manually operated to connect conduit 48 to conduits 5| and 52, thereby allowing fluid pressure to flow from the reservoir I to the last named conduits.

-As conduit 5| is energized with fluid under pressure, the same pressure is immediately conducted to the relay valve II by way of conduit 5|, flexible connector 53 and conduit 54. The relay valve II, when energized with fluid pressure through conduit 54, operates to form a connection between the reservoir 6 and the brake chambers 5 through conduit I2, the relay valve For the same reasons enumerated heretofore in" relation to the energization of the relay valves I5 and 49, the relay valve 49 will reach its normal exhaust position before the relay valve I5, thereby causing .the tractor front brakes to release prior to the tractor rear brakes.

Means are further provided for retarding the energization of the relay valve I5 so that the trailer relay valve II will be energized before the energization of the relay valve I5 iscompleted. Such means are included in the check valve 56 which contains therein, as viewed in Fig. 4, a spring 39 which retards the movement of the member 34. The spring is to be so graduated II and conduits I3 and I4. The trailer brakes are thereby applied to a degree controlled by the brake valve l9.

As conduit 52 is energized with fluid under pressure from reservoir I due to the aforesaid operation of the brake valve I9, the same fluid pressure is conducted to the relay valves I5 and 49 for respectively causing an application of the tractor rear and front brakes. Fluid under pressure flows to the relay valve I5 through conduits 52 and 55, past the check valve 56 which retards the flow a sufficient amount to insure prior energization of the relay valve II, as-heretofore stated, .and through conduits 51 and 59. The

relay valve I5 is thereby operated to complete sum from conduit 52 past the check valve 59 and through conduit 59. The check valve 58, as heretofore stated, at all times retards the flow therethrough in order to delay a complete energization of the relay valve 49 until complete energization of the relay valve I5 has occurred. Fluid pressure is also supplied to the relay valve 49 through conduit 59 which is connected to the. conduit 41 adjacent-the relay valve I5. Therefore, as the brake valve I9 is operated, fluid pressure flows to the relay valves I I, I5 and 49 in such a manner that the vehicle brakes are caused to apply in a progressive order, beginning with the rear end of the vehicle train.

When it is desired to release the vehicle brakes,

the brake valve I9 is operated-to connect conduits aaoaou 5.

| and 52 to atmospheric port "a which is associated with the brakevalve. As conduit 52' is connected to atmosphere, the operating fluid will be immediately exhausted from the relay valve 49 through conduit 59, past the check valve 58, which opens when the pressure is reduced in conduit 52, and through the brake valve I! by way of conduit 52. As the fluid pressure is exhausted from the relay valve 49, the valve operates to close the connection between the reservoir I and the brake chambers 3 and connect the brake chambers 3 to an atmospheric port 49a associated with the relay valve 49. The exhaust.

of fluid pressure from the relay valve l5 is retarded by way ofconduits 51 and 55 due to the check valve 56, and, therefore, the relay valve I5 -is more completely exhausted by way of conduits 60 and 59. The length of the conduit 60 also retards the exhaust of the relay valve I 5 with respect to the relay valve 49, thus causing the relay valve I5 to. be exhausted after the relay valve 49. As the relay valve I5 is exhausted in the manner described above, the brake chambers 4 are connected to atmosphere, in a manner similar to that described in relation to the brake 25 cation of the vehicle brakes beginning at the rearend of the vehicle and also the release of the vehicle brakes in an opposite order. It is also a desired to point out, in relation to this form of .the invention, that the features of the invention are also obtained when the tractor is disconnected from the trailer. These features are obtained automatically, it being only necessary to disconnect the trailer from the tractor and close conduits 8 and 5| in a manner that is fully understood by those skilled in the art. v v

It will be seen from theabove description that two novel braking systems have been provided whichv insurev a progressive application of the vehicle brakes, beginning at the rear end of the vehicle train, andalso the release of the brakesin an opposite order. While certain arrangements and modifications of the system have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be embodied in other tractortrailer systems, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Reference will, therefore, be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A-fiuid pressure braking system for vehicles comprisinga reservoir, front braking devices, rear braking devices, means for connecting the reservoir to saidfront braking devices, means for connecting the reservoir to said rear braking devices,-

means for operating said first and said second means, means associated with the last named means for causing energizing .of said second means prior to the energizing of said first means, and additional means associated with the said last named means and controlled by said operating means for causing deenergization of said first named means prior to the deenergiaation 'of said second means.

2. A fluid pressure braking system for vehicles comprising a reservoir, front braking devices, rear braking devices, trailer braking devices, a

trailer reservoir, means for connecting said first 5 reservoir to said front braking devices, means for connecting said first reservoir to said rear braking devices, means for connecting said trailer reservoir to said trailer braking devices, means for operating said first, said second, and said 10 third means, means for causing energization of said third means prior to energization of said second-means, means for causing energization of said second means prior to energization of said first means, and other means for causing deenergization of said first, second and third named means in reverse order.

3. In a fluid pressure braking system for vehicles, a reservoir, front braking devices, rear 'braking devices, a relay valve for connecting the reservoir to said frontbraking devices, a relay valve for connecting the reservoir to said rear braking devices, a manually-operable valve connected'to said reservoir, means including a pair of parallel connections for connecting said manually-operable valve to said first relay valvev and to said second relay valve, and means associated with said last means for causing energization of said second relay valveprior to energization of said first relay valve whereby said rear braking devices are operated prior to operation of said front braking devices.

4. In 'a fluid pressure braking systemfor vehicles, a reservoir, front braking devices, rear braking devices, a relay valve'for connecting the reservoir to said front braking devices, a relay valve for connecting the reservoir to said rear braking devices, a manually-operable valve con-' nected to said reservoir, means including a pair of parallel connections for connecting said man- 40 ually-operable valve to said first relay valve and to said second relay valve,. means associated with 'said last means for causing energization of said second relay valve prior to energization of said first relay valve whereby said rear braking devices are operated prior to operation of said front braking devices, and means associated with said first means for causing deenergization of said first relay 'valve prior to deenergization of said second relay valve whereby said front braking devices will release prior to release of said rear braking devices.

5. In afiuid pressure tractor-trailer braking system, front braking devices on said tractor, rear braking devices 'on said tractor, trailer braking devices, a tractor reservoir, 9. trailer reservoir,

a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer braking devices to said trailer reservoir, a first relay valve for connecting said tractor'reservoir to-said rear braking devices, a second relay valve 30- for connecting-said tractor reservoir to said front braking devices, and a manually-operable valve for energizing said trailer relay valve, conduits connecting said manually-operable valve, said first relay valve and said second relay valve in 05 series relation, said conduits including means for causing-energizing-of said first relay valve prior to energization of said second relay valve, means for causing deenergization of said second relay valve prior to deenergization of said first relay valve, and means for retarding energization of said first and said second relay valves. 6. In a fluid pressure braking system for vehicles, a reservoir, rear braking devices, front I braking devices, a control valve connected to Y, I said reservoir, means including a pair of parallel rear tractor braking devices, trailer braking devices, a tractor reservoir, 9. trailer reservoir connected to said tractor reservoir, a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer reservoir to said trailer braking devices, a tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor reservoir to said rear braking devices, and a control valve connected to said tractor reservoir, means for connecting said control valve, said trailer relay valve, said tractor relay valve and said front braking devices in series relation, means for causing the energization of said trailer relay valve prior to energization of the tractor relay valve, means for causing energization of said tractor relay valve prior to energization of said front braking devices, and means for causing deenergization of said devices and relay valves in reverse order.

8. In a fluid pressure vehicle braking system having a tractor reservoir, a trailer reservoir connected to said tractor reservoir, trailer braking devices, front tractor braking devices, rear tractor braking devices, a trailer relay valve for ervoir, tractor braking devices, trailer braking first energizing said trailer braking devices, and other means associated with said last named means for causing deenergization of said series in opposite sequence.

11. In a tractor-trailer fluid pressure braking system having a tractor reservoir, a trailer resdevices, and a control valve connected to said tractor reservoir for causing energization of said devices, means for connecting said devices and said control valve in series relation, said last named means including means for connecting .said control valve and said tractor braking devices in series relation when said trailer brakin devices are disconnected from saidsystem.

12. In a fluid pressure vehicle braking system having a tractor reservoir, a trailer reservoir connected to said tractor reservoir, trailer braking devices, front tractor braking devices, rear tractor braking devices, a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer reservoir to said trailer braking devices, and a tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor reservoir to said rear braking devices, means for connecting said trailer relay valve, said tractor relay valve and said front braking devices in' series relation, a manually-operable control valve included in said series for connecting said tractor reservoir to said series, means associated with the last connecting said trailer reservoir to said trailer braking devices, and a tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor reservoir to said rear braking devices, means for connecting said trailer relay valve, said tractor relay valve, and said front braking devices in series relation, a control valve included in said series for connecting said tractor reservoir to said series, means associated with the last named means for causing saidseries to be energized in sequence after first energizing said trailer relay valve, and other means associated with said last named means for causing deenergization of said series in opposite sequence.

9. In a,fiuid pressure vehicle braking system, a tractor reservoir, front tractor braking devices, rear tractor braking devices, trailer braking devices, a trailer reservoir, means for connecting said tractor reservoir to said front braking de- I vices, means for connecting said tractor reservoir to said rear braking devices, means for connecting said trailer reservoir to said trailer brakins devices, means for energizing said first, said second and said third means, the last named means including means for causingenergization of said thirdmeans prior to energization of said second means, means for causing energization of said second means prior to energizstion of said first means, means for causing deenergization of said first means prior to deenergization of said second means, and means for causing deenergization of said second means prior-to deenergization of said third means.

'10. In a tractor-trailer fluid pressure braking system having a tractor reservoir, 1:. trailer reservoir, tractor braking devices, trailer braking devices, and a control valve connected to said tractor reservoir for causing energization of said devices, means for connecting said devices and said control valve in series relation, means associated with the last named means for causing said series to be energized in sequence after named means for causing said series to be energized in sequenceto first energize said trailer relay valve, means associated with said last named means for causing deenergization of said series in opposite sequence, and means for connecting said control valve and said tractor braking devices in series relation when said trailer braking devices are disconnected from said system.

13. In a fluid pressure vehicle braking system having a fluid pressure reservoir, a control valve, front braking actuators, rear braking actuators, and a fluid pressure-operated relay valve for connecting said rear braking actuators to said reservoir, means for connecting said control valve, said front braking actuators and said relay valve in a series circuit, means associated with the last named means for causing fluid pressure to flow from said control valve in a direction to energize said relay valve prior to ener ation of said front braking actuators, and means associated with said last named means for causing the exhaust of fluid pressure from said circuit in a direction to deenergize said front bi-skins actuators prior to deenergization of said relay valve.

14.. In a fluid pressure tractor-trailer braking system, front braking deviceson said tractor, rear braking devices on said tractor, braking devices on said trailer, a tractor reservoir, a trailer reservoir, 9. control valve connected to said tractor reservoir, 9. trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer braking devices to said trailer reservoir, 9. front tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor reservoir to said front braking devices, and a rear tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor reservoir to said rear braking devices, means for connecting said control valve to said trailer relay valve, means for connecting said rear relay valve and said front relay valve-in a series circuit, means for connecting said control valve to said circuit, means" associated with said circuit for causing said circuit to be energized in sequence to first energize said rear tractor relay valve, and means. associsted with said last named means for retardins said tractor, a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer braking means to said trailer rese'rthe energization of said circuit, thereby insuring the energization of said trailer relay valve prior to the energization of said circuit.

15. In a fluid pressure tractor-trailer braking system, front braking devices on said tractor, rear braking devices on said tractor, braking devices on said trailer, a tractor reservoir, a trailer reservoir connected to said tractor reservoir, a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer braking devices to said trailer reservoir, arear tractor relay valve for connecting saidtractor reservoir to said rear braking devices, a front tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor reservoir to said front braking devices, and a control valve connected to said tractor reservoir, means for connecting said control valve to said trailer relay valve, means for connecting said front relay valve and said rear relay valve in a series circuit, means for connecting said control valve to'said circuit for causing the energization thereof, means associated with said circuit for causing said circuitto be energized in sequence to first energize said rear relay valve, means associated with said last named means for causing deenergization of said series in opposite sequence, and means associated with said circuit for retarding the energization of said circuit, thereby insuring the energization of said trailer relay'valve priorto .the energization of saidcircuit.

16. In a tractor-trailer braking system comprising a tractor reservoir, a trailer reservoir connected to said tractor reservoir, trailerbraking devices, tractor braking devices, a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer braking devices to said trailer reservoir, and a tractor relay valve for connecting said tractor braking devices to said tractor reservoir, means for connecting said trailer relay valve and said tractor relay valve to said tractor reservoir, said meansincluding means for causing energization of said trailer relay valve prior to energization of said voir, a tractor relay valve for connecting said rear braking means to said tractor reservoir, and a manually-operable .valve positioned on said tractor,'a conduit connecting said manually-operable valve to-said trailer relay valve for supplying'fiuid pressure thereto, a second conduit connected to said conduit adjacent said trailer relay valve for supplying fluid pressure to said tractor relay valve, athird conduit connected to said second conduit adjacent said tractor relay valve for supplyingfiuid pressure to said ifront braking means, a conduit connecting said manually-operable valve to'said third conduit adiacent said front braking means, means positioned in said first conduit for restricting the flow of fluidpressure in said first conduit to said manually-operable valve, and means positioned in the last named conduit for restricting the flow oi fluid pressure from said manually-operable valve to said last named conduit.

19. In a fluid-operated tractor-trailer braking system having front braking means for said tractor, rear braking means for said tractor, trailer braking means, a tractor reservoir, and a trailer reservoir connected to said tractor reservoir, a trailer pressure-operated relay valve-for connecting said trailer braking means to said trailer reservoir, a tractor pressure-operated relay valve for connecting said rear braking means to said tractor reservoir, a manually-operable valve connected to said tractor reservoir, a conduit connecting said manually-operable .valve. to said trailer relay valve for supplying fluid pressure'thereto, a second conduit having one end thereof connected to said conduit adjacent tractor relayv valve, and additional connecting means for causing deenergization of said tractor relay valve prior to deenergization of said trailer relay valve.

17. In a tractor-trailer braking system having a tractor reservoir, a trailer reservoir supplied with fluid pressure from said tractor reservoir, trailer braking means, rear braking means for said tractor, front braking means for said tractor, a trailer relay valve for connecting said trailer braking-means to said trailer reservor, and a tractor relay valve for connecting said rear .braking means to said tractor reservoir, a manually-operable valve connected to said tractor reservoir and carried by said tractor, a conduit connecting said manually-operable valve, to said trailer relay valve for supplying fluid pressure to said trailer relay valve, a conduit connected to said conduit adjacent to said trailer relay relay valve, a conduit connected to the last named conduit for supplying fluid pressure to said front braking means, a conduit connecting said front braking means to said manually-operable valve, and means positioned in the last named conduit for restricting the flow of fluid pressure therethrough from said manually-operable valve to said front braking means.

' ervoir, trailer braking means, rear braking valve for supplying fluid-pressure to said tractor means for said tractor, front braking means for said front relay valve and said trailer relay valve and the other end connected to said tractor relay valve, a third conduit connected to said second conduit adjacent to said tractor relay valve for supplying fluid pressure to saidfront braking means, a conduit connecting said third conduit to said manuallyoperable valve, means positioned in said first conduit for restricting the fiow of fluid'pressure in said first conduit to said manually-operable valve, means positioned in the last named conduit for restricting the flow or fluid pressure from said manually-operable valve to said last named conduit, a conduit carried by said tractor and connected to said first conduit and said second conduit for making a communication be-' tween said first and said second conduits, in cans for normally closing said communication, and means for opening said communication when said trailer braking means are disconnected from said system.

20. In a-tractor-trailer fiuid pressure braking system for vehicles having front braking means for said tractor, rear braking means for said tractor, trailer braking means, a tractorreservoir, a trailer reservoir supplied with fiuid pressure from said tractor reservoir, a trailer pressure-operated relay .valve for connecting the trailer braking means to said trailer reservoir,

a rear tractor pressur -operated relay valve foroperated valve connected to said tractor reservoir, aconduit connecting said manually-operable valve to said trailer relay valve for supplying fluid pressure thereto, means for connecting said rear relay valve sociated with said circuit for causing deenergization of said circuit in opposite sequence, and other means associated with said circuit for retarding the 'energization thereof, thereby insuring the energization of said trailer relay valve 5 prior to the energization of said circuit.

ELLERY R, FITCH. 

